Calliope River

What a difficult hook up. It took a long time, and was stressful for both of us. Then the left indicator didn't work - 2 brake lights were also out. We unplugged the electrics and replaced them. Both brake lights remained out, but left indicator was now working. The roads are really bad here, perhaps due to the recent rain. Whatever the reason, it was a very bumpy ride. We were heading for a free camp less than 30km outside Gladstone called Calliope River. We arrived around 3.30pm and were amazed by the number of vans parked. Many obviously for longer than allowed 48hrs. We tried out our new collapsable fire pit and fire logs after dark. A girl from across the way had invited all her neighbours over to her fire. We declined, but got talking -she worked for Santos as a shutdown superviser, earning a thousand dollars a week.
Her husband worked away a lot, so sometimes she came out to this camp to stay for a night. Must be lonely! For one night only she was sleeping in her car, and leaving the Jayco at home. She suggested we go up the hill 15mins or so and see the W11 plane that had been recently discovered after crashing in 1947. The plane was found in thick undergrowth with 5 bodies still inside. We didn't go.Read more